The crowd was shocked to see Griffith and Simon competing for Charlotte. Everyone knew Griffith and Charlotte were on bad terms, and rumors of their divorce had been circulating since the beginning of their marriage.Michelle was furious upon hearing Charlotte's words."Are you crazy? Do you find it satisfying that they're fighting over you?" Michelle exclaimed.Charlotte ignored her. She could not care less if they started fighting as long as she was not involved. She just wanted to get out of there."Are you afraid he will settle the score with you at home?" Simon insisted on dragging her into this matter."No," Charlotte responded without skipping a beat. "I'm afraid he will dislike me."The room fell silent."Everyone in King City knows that I'll follow him no matter what. After all these years, he's finally begun to look at me more favorably. With all these deceitful things you've stirred up, will he still treat me well?" she added.Griffith scoffed.Meanwhile, Simon seem
The crowd discussed among themselves after Griffith and Simon left.Simon chuckled and said to his close friends, "What a devoted woman. Such a pity.""Does your heart ache for her?" one of his friends teased."Indeed, it aches."Michelle's gaze was filled with resentment as she looked in the direction where Griffith and Charlotte left."What a shameful woman!" she ranted. She turned around and saw Simon smiling at her meaningfully. She tried to speak up but felt a lump in her throat.Meanwhile, Nicholas and the rest returned to the private room. As they walked back, Eli noticed Benjamin was at the stairway. Seated in his wheelchair, his gaze was intense. Eli did not know when he appeared and how much of Charlotte's words he had heard.He thought of taking this opportunity to dissuade him. So, he walked over and whispered, "Did you see that? She cares deeply for your Uncle Griffith."Benjamin responded nonchalantly, "It was all an act." Then he maneuvered his wheelchair around
Griffith knew Charlotte was not an easy woman to deal with. She had her ways of enchanting people. He snorted lightly, closed his eyes, and ignored her. When they reached the house, she intended to help him from the backseat, but he smoothly got out of the car on his own.As they entered the house, Helen was waiting for them. Griffith went upstairs while Charlotte went to the kitchen to get the pills for his hangover. Helen was quite pleased to see them getting along well recently.Charlotte sighed at her pitiful life before she carried the pills and a glass of water upstairs. In the master bedroom, Griffith was resting against the bedside."Take the pills before you sleep," she said.Griffith opened his eyes and glanced at her."What did you buy at 10 o'clock in the morning?" he asked.Charlotte paused for a moment, trying to recall. She remembered buying a watch. Seeing her expression, Griffith knew she had remembered."It has nothing to do with Simon, right?"She struggled t
"Griffith!"Her lips were sealed shut. She wanted to break loose, but he held her chin and pressed his lips forcefully against hers. Startled, she tried to push him away. They were already divorced, yet he still wanted to have his way with her? She might be seeking support from him but would never stoop so low.She opened her mouth and tried to bite him, but he anticipated it and gripped her cheeks. His grip was so strong it made her wince in pain. Griffith snorted and released her. He covered her mouth and kissed her neck recklessly."You've done this many times before. Why are you so nervous now?" Charlotte struggled to move. His breathing grew heavier as he kissed her ears and bit them softly."Behave yourself. I'll be much more accommodating next time you need my help."Charlotte looked him in the eyes. He must be drunk. When he looked at her, besides desire and lust, there was also a hint of tenderness in his eyes. She clutched the blanket beneath her, feeling somewhat daze
Charlotte felt her pent-up anger had dissipated with that kick earlier. If it were appropriate, she would have burst out into laughter. Not wanting to offend him all at once, she planned to leave wrapped in the blanket.Griffith grabbed her ankle and pulled her down along with the blanket. She fell into his embrace and bumped into his forehead."Ouch!"But it seemed Griffith did not feel the pain. He cradled the back of her head, forcing her to look directly at him. Charlotte was taken aback. She did not expect that he was still clouded with lustful thoughts even after that kick. He gripped her chin and shifted his gaze to her red plump lips."So, you've gained some courage, huh?" he sneered, then bit her lips without holding back."Ah!" Charlotte screamed.Then, he let go of her, and she ended up sitting on the floor."Go back to your room," he said."Griffith, are you cr—""Or climb the bed if you won't leave!"Charlotte was speechless at how unreasonable he was. Wrapped in
The incident at Regal Estate spread throughout the circle the next day. Early in the morning, Charlotte overheard two housekeepers discussing the matter. Feeling annoyed so early in the day, she headed to work first. However, as soon as she arrived at the art gallery, the assistant to the vice president was waiting for her, asking her to wait for a moment."What's going on?" Charlotte asked.The assistant looked awkward, and before she could even say anything, voices of argument could be heard from the office."I've already told you, I was just on vacation! I come back, and someone's already taken my position?!"It was a woman's voice.Charlotte could already guess who it was. She asked in a low voice, "The previous pianist?"The assistant sighed and nodded slightly."She's a strange one too. When she first joined, she was polite to everyone. Later, she caught the eye of the 50s-year-old boss and became arrogant. She only comes to work when she feels like it."Charlotte glanced
Peter was already annoyed. He didn't even bother about the flowers as he decided to deal with Charlotte first."Mr. Atkins," the employee interrupted him."What's the matter?" Peter was displeased."These flowers…""Bring them in." Jennifer tapped on the table.The employee seemed embarrassed. He glanced at Charlotte and said, "These flowers are for Miss Charlotte."Charlotte was stunned.Jennifer sprung to her feet with a darkened expression. However, before she could say anything, the employee continued, "Mr. Sterling had someone deliver them.""You mean Benjamin Sterling?" Peter gasped."Mr. Sterling said he's going to the hospital today and won't be able to come to listen to your piano performance. He hopes that these flowers will make your day," the employer said to Charlotte.Charlotte looked at the bouquet of sunflowers accompanied by various colorful blossoms. She felt touched, as she never expected Benjamin to be so considerate, considering they just became friends.
Eli ate a piece of toast and glanced at Griffith."It's early in the morning. Why do you look dead tired?" Eli remarked.Griffith's expression darkened as he recalled what happened last night.Meanwhile, Eli was not there for fun. He felt obligated to remind Griffith to keep an eye on his wife because Benjamin had already started making moves."Did your secretary order this breakfast? Your wife isn't making you breakfast anymore?" Eli asked.Griffith stared at him as if he was a fool."Did something happen after leaving so early last night?" Eli added."What's the matter with you?" Griffith responded. He was slightly irritated that Eli dropped by early morning to spew nonsense at him.Eli thought momentarily and said, "I've been having nightmares after suggesting you get her a fake divorce decree. I think it's a punishment from God for my sin."Griffith rolled his eyes and remarked, "Well, I believe God is being too kind to you. You deserve to be struck by lightning for all yo
Tanya's previous full-length mirror was still usable, but because it was small, she had to walk a bit farther every time she used it. Eli had long wanted to replace it.Little did he know, she got rid of many things in the house to make room for the new large sofa for him, including that old full-length mirror."How do you like it? Surprised?" He patted the mirror.Tanya smiled wryly and pointed to the large sofa. "And you? Surprised?" Only then did Eli notice fewer small items in the living room and a large new sofa. He suddenly chuckled. It was quite nice.He thought of her, and she thought of him. This winter was truly warm.Tanya abandoned the egg tart and hugged him again. "Oh no, this mirror is so big. There's nowhere to put it."Eli carried her with one hand and moved the mirror to the corner with the other. Sitting on the sofa, he thought for a moment, then hugged her and said, "Tanya, let's move to a bigger place."Tanya knew he had been thinking about this all along.
Eli found it amusing. He pushed the head of the small money jar and couldn't help but say, "You gold digger! You love money so much, then why did you give the check I gave you to Soraya?"Tanya blinked and chuckled. "I only acquire wealth in the proper way. To be honest…" She pondered for a moment, then turned to look at him. "Probably because, at that time, I was just too fond of you like I am now."Hearing this, Eli felt a pang of heartache and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Tanya smiled, moved the gifts aside, and made some space for him.Just as they were about to talk, Eli's phone vibrated continuously. It turned out that Bridget was sending over the detailed preparation process for the wedding.Tanya scrolled through it and suddenly felt overwhelmed. Eli looked at it and also felt a headache coming. The two glanced at each other, sighed simultaneously, and leaned back.After they publicly disclosed their relationship, life continued as usual but became busier due to the w
Eli being married was shocking enough, but then his wife was hiding right in the office. In the next half hour, Tanya heard wailing from all around.The atmosphere in their office was quite good, and everyone got along well. After coming clean, everyone joked around and teased each other."Nia, don't forget Mr. Ted, he's been cursing at you all along!""Yeah, he's been calling you a fool!""I heard it, I can testify!"Ted was furious and rushed out to hit someone. Tanya followed with laughter.Before leaving work, Amy indeed brought the cake and candies, sharing them with everyone in the building. Thus, the entire group gave them their blessings.From the office to the parking lot, Tanya received blessings. When she got into Eli's car, her heart was still pounding.Eli was happily eating his candy, feeling good. Especially now that he didn't have to sneak around anymore, he even turned the steering wheel effortlessly.Tanya, holding the cake, asked him in surprise, "Were these
Tanya walked out of the room with her guard down and came face to face with Ted's sneaky expression. She paused.Ted gasped, his brain instantly turning blank.He looked at Tanya, covered his mouth with his left hand, and placed his right hand over the left with his eyes gradually widening.God! This was insane!Tanya regained her composure and glanced in Eli's direction. Eli remained calm, glanced at the fruit plate on the table, and said, "Should we take some down to share with your colleagues?"Tanya nodded. She glanced at the still-disheveled Ted and kindly handed him a tangerine."Sir?"Ted swallowed, looked at Tanya, then at Eli. Finally, he settled his gaze on the tangerine in her hand, mechanically accepting it.Tanya turned to look at Eli. 'Look, you've scared my superior.'Eli shrugged."I'm leaving," she said.Eli nodded and escorted her to the door.Ted followed them out and was sent into the elevator by his boss. As the elevator doors closed, he let out a long
The deep blue bedsheet was neatly spread out. But the two pillows lacked pillowcases, exposed in a sorry state.Eli placed his hands on his belt and turned to look at Tanya. "Is this also your doing?"Tanya leaned against the door frame, only poking her head in, smiling sheepishly."I accidentally drooled while sleeping that day and dirtied the pillowcase. Knowing that you're a neat freak, I took them all off to wash," she said. She raised her hand and swore, "The pillowcases have been washed and are in the cabinet at home."Eli wasn't interested in the pillowcases' whereabouts. He remembered when Amy called him, saying Tanya missed him and wanted to touch the sheets and pillows after waking up.Nonsense!He took a deep breath, then turned his head to Tanya with a frightening smile. Tanya realized the danger and tried to run, but he grabbed her by the waist."Hey, what are you doing?" she said.Eli tossed her onto the bed and followed suit."What are you doing?!""Collecting
Tanya sat upright in the office. Eli stood before her with his hands behind his back. "Come on, explain."Tanya's eyes darted around. "Do you believe me? It's because I missed you too much. When I came to your place, I couldn't help but take away everything related to you." Eli scoffed. "Including the toilet paper?"Tanya pondered seriously.Eli tapped the coffee machine and pointed to the plug that had been pulled out, saying, "If the coffee machine wasn't too heavy, would you have taken that too?"'This brat has no conscience at all. Does she even understand what a cold shoulder is?'While he was reminiscing in her room, she made a fortune in his office!Tanya blinked and gave him an embarrassed smile. "If you think about it from another angle, I love you deeply. If we couldn't reconcile and you came back to see all this, you would hate me. Hate represents love, and love means you can't forget me. My obsession is so deep; I want to stay in your heart forever."Eli fell silen
"You should buy something while visiting. Do you have enough money in your account? If not, I will transfer some to you," Mrs. Moran said on the phone.Tanya didn't want money; she just wanted to hear some advice. She knew her parents' financial situation wasn't good. Due to illness, her stepfather had retired from his position as a butler of the Sterling family. Although the Sterlings provided a retirement package, Mr. Moran was getting old, and he had a son. She heard that his son's business had lost a considerable amount of money in recent years. As a stepdaughter, she had already received enough help from them, so how could she ask for more money?During her university days, she didn't ask her family for money. If she could find a part-time job, she would, and if not, she would endure it just to avoid causing her mother trouble."Mom, I don't need money. I have enough."When Mrs. Moran heard this, she felt even more sorry for her.Since her ex-husband was useless, Tanya suffer
After breakfast, Eli called Bridget."Why did you send her a check? Do you have nothing better to do?"Bridget had just arrived home and begun playing poker with a few old friends.She threw out a card, rolled her eyes, and said, "It's the first time I've met my daughter-in-law! What's wrong with giving her some money!"Eli was speechless."Madam, you came up and threw 500,000 dollars just like that. Aren't you afraid of scaring people?""What should I do? Throw 50,000 dollars instead? That's too stingy."Eli was speechless. Holding onto the railing, he glanced downstairs and saw Tanya ironing her coat in the living room."I almost got dumped because you caused a scene," he joked.Bridget threw the cards while chuckling. "It's good to be dumped. With your unruly behavior, someone should make you suffer a bit.""Are you really my mother?""If you still want to be a good son, hurry up and go through the procedures, live a proper life with Tanya, and try to give me a grandson n
"What did Her Majesty tell you?"Tanya nearly lost her composure, fighting back laughter.Bridget said nothing more as she left with Benjamin, leaving Tanya and Eli to return to the apartment. The journey back was silent, with Tanya deep in thought. Upon entering, Eli halted her at the entrance.Exhaling deeply, Tanya reached into her pocket and withdrew a check. Eli's gaze fell upon it, noting it was only for $500,000. As he moved to take it, Tanya tucked it back into her pocket. On the bar, a spread of breakfast awaited them - fried eggs, sausages, fruits, and vegetables. Despite the inviting display, Tanya's attention was on Eli."Don't you want breakfast?"With the situation still unclear, Eli's appetite waned. Nonetheless, knowing Bridget's nature, he remained calm. Seating himself opposite Tanya, he nibbled at a sausage, noticing her lack of interest."Is everything alright?" he asked, concerned.Tanya shook her head.The oversized sandwich Bridget had ordered had already